Chapter 35: I Am a Human, Not a Donkey

"Hey, you're joking, right?"

On the way back from the thatched cottage, Zhang Xiaojing kept muttering. "There's a time and place for everything. We've just arrived, we haven't even gotten our bearings yet, and you tell them you can get it done in a month? Isn't that a bit of an overstatement?"

"Talented people always have a streak of arrogance. If I had told them three or five years, it wouldn't have sounded right either." Chen An said considerately, "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing."

With Chen An's repeated assurances, Zhang Xiaojing naturally stopped questioning him.

When they reached a fork in the road, Zhang Xiaojing suddenly stopped and said, "Alright, you've worked hard these past few days. I don't think you need to go back to the barracks today."

"Huh? Why?" Chen An looked puzzled.

Zhang Xiaojing pointed to a figure not far away. "Someone misses you; they traveled hundreds of miles just to see you."

Chen An followed the direction of Zhang Xiaojing's finger, and the graceful silhouette of Li Duo came into view.

"This is the room tag for the best inn at You Shan Pass. Don't let her down," Zhang Xiaojing said, thrusting a room key into Chen An's hand before walking off, ignoring Chen An's attempt to stop him.

Night had fallen.

After a whole afternoon, even a man of iron would feel somewhat exhausted.

With a final soft gasp, Li Duo curled up into Chen An's arms. Leaning against his chest, her left index finger traced circles over his heart.

"Are you hungry? Shall I have them bring some food in?"

"After practicing all afternoon, I am indeed famished."

Soon, the meal was brought in, and Chen An didn't stand on ceremony, devouring the food like a storm.

"Eat slowly, it's not going anywhere," Li Duo said, smiling as she looked at the mutton dumplings, grilled chives, grilled lamb kidneys, and lamb chops stewed with goji berries on the platter.

"Should we take a break tonight?"

"That won't do. As they say, one must sing while hungry and play while full. There is still heavy lifting to be done tonight; I can't let you down."

"You really don't treat me like a human being, do you?"

Hearing this, Li Duo burst into a giggle. "If you can't handle it, shall I have them prepare a bowl of black bean rice for you? Eat some coarse grain?"

"Then wouldn't I truly become a donkey?"

"My grandfather taught me how to graze donkeys."

"Come here, let me teach you."

Li Duo grabbed Chen An by the collar and gave a gentle tug. They retreated toward the bed.

"It's getting late, don't you think we should stop here for tonight?"

"That won't do. It's not easy to see you; how could I let you off so easily?"

"Oh, oh, don't forget to blow out the lamp."

Half an hour later, the commotion in the room gradually faded into silence. Resting against her man's solid shoulders, Li Duo felt exceptionally secure.

"My man is amazing!" Li Duo said, as if rewarding him.

Chen An turned over, his back popping audibly. They lay facing each other, and Chen An gently patted Li Duo’s smooth back, reveling in the roundness and smoothness of her skin. His hand traveled from her neck, down her spine, past her slender, alluring waist, and finally came to rest on her firm, rounded hips.

"Aren't you tired yet?"

"What do you think?" Chen An teased, a rare moment of playfulness.

Perhaps feeling a sudden wave of shyness, Li Duo buried her head deep into Chen An's chest like an ostrich sensing danger. She pouted, "Husband! You're so bad!"

"Alright, let's talk business." Chen An smoothed back her hair. "Tell me, now that you're back, are you leaving again?"

"I haven't decided yet. The camp is getting crowded; many refugees have come to join us." Li Duo finally remembered the serious matter. "Grandfather asked me to come here to discuss things with you. Although Tiger Sun Mountain can accommodate many people, it's not convenient for farming. He wants you to help find a base that makes life easier..."

Seeing Chen An remain silent, Li Duo asked worriedly, "Is this too much to ask of you?"

Chen An shook his head. "Not at all. In fact, I was already considering it even if you hadn't mentioned it. I'll have Zhang Xiaojing contact you. When you go back, divide the refugees into three groups by age and gender. The first group stays to raise warhorses; the second group goes to see Wu Ergou and follows his arrangements for farming or trade; as for the third group, they'll come to You Shan Pass to handle logistics."

"Logistics?" Li Duo asked, confused.

"If the Tiger Battalion wants to maintain its combat effectiveness, it must drill constantly. But I've noticed much of their time is wasted on trivial tasks like laundry and cooking. I want to professionalize the Tiger Battalion, and supply and logistics must be independent."

"Alright, I understand. Husband, I'll start arranging it when I return." Li Duo said softly, "Thank you."

"Don't thank me."

"Then, should I reward you again?"

"Huh?!"

"Don't 'huh' me! A moment in the spring night is worth a thousand pieces of gold!"

The next morning, Li Duo woke up feeling refreshed but physically drained. She stirred, only to find that the spot beside her was empty.

Just as she was about to call out, a fragrant scent wafted in from outside. Chen An tiptoed in, and seeing that she was awake, he couldn't help but smile.

"I saw the inn was providing breakfast, so I got a portion for you."

"I tasted it just now; it should be freshly brewed. Try some."

Li Duo sat up, leaning against the bed with her hair disheveled. Chen An thoughtfully laid a towel over the quilt.

"Let me feed you."

Chen An volunteered, lifting a spoonful of porridge and blowing on it gently. He tasted it with his lips to ensure it wasn't too hot before bringing it to Li Duo’s mouth.

Whether it was the meticulous care that touched her or the soft, sweet, and lingering taste of the rice porridge, Li Duo felt a sense of complete fulfillment.

Soon, after a bowl of porridge, Li Duo felt much more invigorated. After the meal, the two found themselves with nothing to do, leading to an awkwardly quiet stare-down.

"Last night..." After the passion had faded, Li Duo asked, feeling slightly embarrassed.

"Hehe." Chen An replied with a silly laugh.

Li Duo’s eyes curved, a faint blush returning to her beautiful gaze as she looked at Chen An with deep affection.

"Come, give me a hug, husband."

This time, Chen An was the one who took the initiative. Her soft body seemed to bring back the radiance of the previous night, and her feminine scent was even more intoxicating than before. The embers that had cooled began to glow with familiarity once more.

"I cannot stay any longer today."

Even as Chen An said this, Li Duo didn't throw a tantrum. After all, she knew in her heart that her man was no ordinary person.